James J. Williams

James J. Williams, 90, died Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at an Abilene nursing center. Born in Lyons Kansas on September 4, 1919, he was the son of the late Bertha Serena (Shumway) and James Wood Williams. He graduated from Lyons High School and The University of Oklahoma. A veteran of the U. S. Navy, James served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. James married Laurretta Faye Howard on July 2, 1948 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on February 3, 2008. For forty years, Mr. Williams worked for Cities Service Oil Company of Oklahoma City for which he was a regional reservoir engineer. He had been a resident of Abilene since January, 1996. He was a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene. In 1935 he became an Eagle Scout and enjoyed doing scouting with his grandsons. James was a devoted Christian man, a loving husband, a wonderful father and a caring friend to all. James is survived by daughters, Michelle Senter and husband Scott, Shari Stamper and husband Ken, and Deborah Kwilos; five grandchildren, Shay Senter, Shawn Senter, Laura Stamper, Megan Stamper, and Aaron Hammons and wife Kristin; and two great-grandchildren, Allie and Christopher. The funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, with Bill Merkel officiating. Interment will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX 79601; Community Foundation of Abilene, 500 Chestnut Street, Abilene, TX 79602; or Texas Trails Council of Boy Scouts of America, 1208 N 5th Street, Abilene, TX 79601.